INGENIEUR
IN BRIEF
INGENIEUR
What Others Say About Transformation of the Construction Industry
IN BRIEF
By Samniang Saenram
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM IN COLLABORATION WITH THE BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP
The construction industry has been slower than most to adopt technological innovations , and wary of modernising strategies and processes . In the US , labour productivity in construction has actually fallen in the last 40 years . These facts are particularly surprising because of the industry ’ s central role in everyone ’ s daily life and its powerful impact on other industries , the environment , and the economy as a whole . The construction sector now accounts for 6 % of global GDP , and about 30 % of greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to buildings . Given the industry ’ s size and weight , even small improvements in performance would generate huge benefits for the world .
Shaping the Future of Construction : A Breakthrough in Mindset and Technology covers , among other things , the use of innovative technologies , enhancements in operations and processes , adjustments to business and HR strategies , industry co-operation , and , crucially , optimisation of public policy . Citing numerous best practices and case studies , it applies not only to construction companies but also to design companies , suppliers of technology and building materials or equipment , and others on the value chain , as well as to the industry as a whole and Governments .
Already Within Reach Change is already under way , headed by the construction firms themselves with the support of innovative processes and products . Emerging digital technologies will boost productivity , enhance the quality of buildings , and improve onsite safety and environmental compatibility : 3D models for guidance , robots for the dangerous work , and drones and embedded sensors to check on progress , for instance . “ Individual companies have serious transformative opportunities now , by exploiting new technologies and materials ,” said Santiago Castagnino , a partner and construction expert at BCG . “ If you also optimise the planning and the processes , you could easily end up cutting costs by 15 % and reducing the completion time by as much as 30 %.”
Collaboration and Beyond The industry is extremely fragmented . To unlock its full potential , companies along the value chain will need to collaborate far more than they do now , and industry organisations will need to make their presence felt more strongly in defining common goals and standards , engaging local communities and prospective employees , and advocating with public agencies .
UN-HABITAT - Green Materials Technical Notes Series
UN-Habitat promotes the use of green building materials within the context of slum upgrading , large scale affordable housing , social housing , and reconstruction in developing countries and emerging economies . UN-Habitat supports the adoption of green materials in mainstream building based on affordability and capacity to uphold the four dimensions of sustainability . UN-Habitat also encourages Governmental support for alternative
74 VOL 69 JANUARY-MARCH 2017